Improved land governance and halting land degradation : the central role of property rights and social processes

Just like climate hazards, land degradation is the result of human activities that overexploit ecosystems. Yet, there are very few empty places where no property rights to land and other natural resources exist. Ecological interventions usually take place in areas that have been occupied, appropriated and used by local people for many years, according to their own rules-whether for agricultural, pastoral or extractivist ends. Land rehabilitation interventions cannot be limited to physical and biological measures. They must take into account the users of the different resources and their associated rightsJust like climate hazards, land degradation is the result of human activities that overexploit ecosystems. Yet, there are very few empty places where no property rights to land and other natural resources exist. Ecological interventions usually take place in areas that have been occupied, appropriated and used by local people for many years, according to their own rules-whether for agricultural, pastoral or extractivist ends. Land rehabilitation interventions cannot be limited to physical and biological measures. They must take into account the users of the different resources and their associated right